An Additively Manufactured, Leak-Proof NTO Swivel

Quadrus Advanced Manufacturing, LLC (QAM) is pleased to present this proposal to continue the development of an additively manufactured, highly dexterous mechanism that enables the safe, leak-free transfer of the storable hypergolic oxidizer (nitrogen tetroxide, NTO, with mixed oxides of nitrogen, MON). Our Additively manufactured Dexterous Leak-proof Interface (ADLI) prototype is nearly complete, so the next step is to expose it to shock/vibration and thermal-vacuum environments. The actual testing will be executed and funded directly by and to our NASA GRC and NASA KSC customers, but significant support is needed from QAM personnel, since we designed and manufactured ADLI.

We will work to insert ADLI into planned orbital servicing missions, such as a future follow-on to NASA’s OSAM-1 (On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing-1).  Second, the Mars Sample Return has one mission architecture that places an empty launch vehicle on the Martian surface, then transfer propellants to it from a rover brought on a second flight. We plan to market ADLI to MSR architects at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Headquarters to help position ADLI for use in that flagship mission. First, we plan to extend the marketing and planning effort for ADLI to the commercial space community, which is aware of the tremendous market potential for reclaiming those satellites, so we will begin to use our existing contacts at Virgin Orbit and Blue Origin (we have additively manufactured components for both companies) to create a true commercial pull for ADLI.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.